Natsume (Jp.)

A Natsume is a tea caddy for thin tea powder and one of basic tools for the Japanese tea ceremony. The natsume is named after its resemblance to the natsume fruit (the jujube). It is a low rounded box with a flat lid and rounded bottom, and is usually made of lacquered or untreated wood.

There are two types of tea caddy used for serving different tea at the tea ceremony. One is Natsume and another is Chaire. The Natsume is for thin tea powder and the Chaire is for thick tea.